HIGHER LIFE

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXII, Issue 81, 11 January 1926, Page 6

HIGHER LIFE

CALL TO YOUTH.

SPECIALLY jCONTBIBUTED.

(Part II.)

But because the affirmative is true, it docs not follow that the response to the appeal made to the higher, nobler nature of our young people is as great as earnest, devoted white-ribboners could desire. Why is this? The appal is of yore. Human nature is as heretofore; therefore, if we are not satisfied with the wideness of the response of the young to our call to dedicate themselves to the service of humanity, what is the cause? But, maybe, we are satisfied. Are we? Have we the right to be? Has every member of every branch of the W.C.T.U. in New Zealand done everything she might have done and left undone nothing which she ought to have done? In such case, and only in such, could we boast that we arc satisfied.

The success won by the Women Crusaders was due to the fact taht they had a goal they desired to reach, and they desired it with such intensity that there was nothing they would not have-done to gain that goal. Is it thus with each N.Z. W.C.T.U. member today? Is there a Union represented here to-day which can say, “Every member in our Union is as intensely in earnest as were the Women Crusaders?” If so, happy arc the officers of that Union, happy its members, and thrice happy the youth within its reach, for they must, from sheer compulsion of love, respond to the living appeal thus made to them that the true asd high nature within them shall become even as the Divine. Oh, for this ideal!

The young people of to-day are the result of their training, their education, and their environment. Whether or not they respond to the appeal made to them by tho aims of the W.C.T.U. is because they are as they are in consequence of these three factors in their lives. It is because of the quality of these factors that their response to roach out to high ideals is just what it is. And the quality of the response is the direct result of the nature, of the power behind these factors. One proof of this is seen in the fact that those ,"Y" members who first formline so eagerly, are the sons and daughters, generally speaking, of churchgoing, God-fearing folk. Space will not allow us to discuss the two last factors named —education and environment — even were we qualified to do so adequately. But it were well for us to consider the first one —that of the training received—and discover if in any way it should be of interest to us as a W.C.T.U.

Our Union is mainly a mothers’ union. A mother has the joy of giving life to her child. She may also have a greater, an intenser, joy of giving righteousness. A child thoroughly and sensibly trained in the truths and practice of righteousness, will possess a valuable asset in the development of future character. A young man or woman of character thus developed will recognise instinctively their responsibility to their Creator; and, if the appeal of the W.C.T.U. be made to such a one, there can be no doubt that it would be answered with a wholehearted devotion to the claims of hu-

inanity. Does not this mean that the woman of to-day is responsible for the character of tho man and woman of the future? This is a serious, though natural, conclusion, and we must face its consequent responsibility, if we arc to be true to our ideals. As women with an outlook, it is surely our duty to recognise this and do our utmost to expend our energies in ways which will be beneficial.

Having realised that others are dependent upon us for the forming of their character, it were well that we, in turn, recognise our dependence upon a Higher Power, and that if we are to be really useful, we must derive from that source, wisdom and understanding. We must also cultivate our mentality and acquire knowledge that we may be well prepared when need arises. Having, then, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, we shall be well equipped for our endeavours to win the youthful mode of thought. An atmosphere of sympathy will surround us, which will disarm opposition, and thus in time we shall be able to ‘ ‘ claim the world for Christ’s own Kingdom, some glad day.” This, of course, Is ideal. But the ideal should be our aim! But, in the meantime, before the new mothers of the future have been influenced and trained to play their large part in the future of our beloved country, what shall we do in our endeavour to captivate and capture the young

folk? Let us keep our banner, not only unfurled, but unstained. Let us also he on the look-out to seize every opportunity wihch presents itself that wc may educate and stimulate the youth of our land, wooing them to aim at building up high ideals, encouraging them in their visions, until the ideal shall be attained and dominate the real. Then with this climax, "All round the world, Hosannas sweet shall ring." "KAYE PONDEN."